JP Nadda likely to be next BJP president

Shimla: With Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh likely to join Narendra Modi-led Cabinet at Centre, Himachal Pradesh-based leader JP Nadda may be handed over the charge to lead the saffron party. If Nadda becomes the BJP chief, it would be for the first time any BJP leader from Himachal Pradesh will marshal the party’s vehicle in national arena.

Nadda is, however, yet to speak on it. But the way he gave up Prem Kumar Dhumal Cabinet in Himachal Pradesh in 2010 and headed towards Delhi is considered notable and it’s being said that he is being rewarded with the top post for his hard work in the party organisation.

If Nadda becomes BJP president, it would come off as a major blow for the party’s Himachal unit, which is divided into several groups. Those who are opposed to Nadda may not see any gain in their stature in Delhi circles and Dhumal camp may be left disappointed to a major extent.

Nadda has played key roles in the party organization right from ABVP to handling other important responsibilities and these are being considered as some of the major criteria for being appointed as the party president.

He had won several assembly elections and lost the polls on one occasion. In 2010, he gave up his ministerial berth and went on to join Nitin Gadkari’s team in Delhi.

Being the national general secretary, he was the key constituent of the party’s core team after Modi’s appointment as the prime ministerial candidate in last September.

Bilaspur district, which is a part of Hamirpur Parliamentary seat has former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal’s son Anurag Thakur as the sitting MP. It’s obvious that the party, which is divided in camps, may see face-off of sorts.

In fact, Nadda’s wife Mallika has also been associated with the Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a long time and it’s mainly due to her association with the saffron party, his inclination has been prominent.

Since most of the party bigwigs are likely to join Modi’s Cabinet, Nadda may be handed over this big responsibility of leading party at national level.